STEADFASTNESS EVEN IN SUFFERING

On this year’s Passion Sunday, we have the opportunity to reflect on the Lord’s Passion as he willfully embraces his cross in obedience to his Father for the salvation of us all. Alternatively called Palm Sunday—recalling the glorious entry of Jesus into Jerusalem whereby palm olives were spread on the path through which he journeyed to the city of his crucifixion. It is the great week that embodies the Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday). The importance of the liturgical events of these holy days cannot be underestimated. From the institution of the Priesthood and the Holy Eucharist on Holy Thursday, the passion and crucifixion of the Lord on Good Friday to the Holy Saturday liturgy of the Light on the resurrection night, we have in a nutshell the great mysteries of our salvation which require our adequate attention and active participation.

Amidst a plethora of lessons to be learned, we may want to focus on the resilience and steadfastness of the suffering servant—Jesus the Lord. Jesus is the only one who has realized in himself the image of a servant. Though he was in the form of God, Jesus did not count equality with God, a lesson to be learned (Philippians 2:6-8). His humility prepared him for obedience to God in the accomplishment of his mission. His experience shows us what happens to anyone faithful to the mission God gave him. In our various statuses of life, we have a mission God has entrusted to us, above all to keep his commands. Fundamentally, we need to first acknowledge ourselves to be God’s servant. A servant simply obeys and takes instructions. Perhaps, it is only when we truly realize who we are, in relation to God, that we can easily obey him.  The humility of Jesus is worthy of emulation. God is drawn to the humble and exalts them. Humility makes obedience easy, without it, there can be no genuine obedience. It is a great virtue that is manifest where there is trust among people. The trust and confidence Jesus showed in his Father urged him on even when it seemed difficult to proceed. We learn that although we may have to undergo suffering of different kinds for a while on account of our faith and obedience to God’s commands, God does not abandon His people. His love for us is stronger than any kind of difficulty we may undergo because of our relationship with Him. Therefore, He desires that we trust Him completely.

Hence, rather than scattering olive branches on his path, let us spread ourselves before him in humility of soul. We need to spread spiritual branches of openheartedness to God’s word and will for us and others. We cannot afford to be rigid with ourselves before God. Our lives are His gifts given for the glorification of His name. This glorification may entail that we share in any form of suffering that has a salvific value. Jesus goes before us to show us the way to deal with suffering. He provides us with a model of faithful learning through suffering. He was persecuted because of his teachings and services to his people but remained resolute and steadfast in obedience to God because he was confident the Lord would help him. The bold confidence and trust in God that Jesus exhibited in the face of persecution, rejection, betrayal, and torment becomes exemplary for us. Often our natural inclination when hurt by others through words or actions is to strike back. As we pay attention to the liturgy of the Holy Week, let us strive to ask and answer these questions: In what ways and times have we found ourselves walking in the darkness where there was no light? How have we dealt with despair and near hopelessness? We should always remember that though we may walk through the deepest valley, we ought not to fear any evil for God is with us (Psalm 23). A journey from passion, death, and resurrection is the true story of our salvation we are grateful to tell in this Holy Week. May we partake in the Lord’s cross so that we share in his resurrection. Have a fruitful Holy Week celebration!  

Bulldog Buddies

Do you have a rising 3-year old PreK student?  Come join Bulldog Buddies!  This classroom program is for rising PreK students and their caregivers. It will meet Mondays and Fridays from 8-9:30am beginning April 8th.  Pass this along to your friends and neighbors.  More information and registration can be found here.Bulldog Buddies Information and Registration

Applications are now open for 24-25! Do you have a friend or neighbor that is considering applying to the best school in Chicago? Sign up for a tour here: schedule a tour New student applications for the 24-25 can be found here: New Student Application